Discover South West France

Historical monuments are abundant in South West France, some dating as far back as prehistoric times. Whether your interest is prehistory and ancient caves, the romans, the great wars or chateaux and churches you will find plenty of places to visit around Limousin.

Follow the route taken by Richard the Lionheart during the beginning of the 12th Century, where rumours of legend, treachery and intrigue abound and which passes through our local Haute-Vienne village of Cussac. There are no less than 16 chateaux on the route, which spans the Charente, through the Perigord Limousin National Park and south into the Dordogne. Many of these chateau and historical monuments are just a short drive away from Cherry Tree Bed and Breakfast, Limousin.

A humbling experience, but well worth a trip is Oradour sur Glane, a famous town destroyed by a German panzer division just before the end of the World War II. The whole town has been preserved in memory of its destruction and ruthless execution of its inhabitants, over 600 people including men, women and children.

Guided tours are available and there is a bookshop selling literature regarding the World War II in France, available in English. Open every day throughout the year and entrance is free.

Link To Virtual Tour

Only 20 minutes from our B&B on the borders of Limousin and Charente, the Thermes de Chassenon is the site of gallo-roman remains including a forum, theatre and thermal baths. Many mosaics have been excavated and preserved and the site is thought to have been both a religious and curative centre.

This very interesting site is currently being expanded and offers multi-lingual guided tours and is open all year.

Just inside the Perigord are the fairy tale turrets of the Chateau of Jumillhac which dates back to the 12th century. Antoine II, locked up his spouse (Louise of Authefort) for nearly 30 years until her death in one of the castle's towers. The 17th century kitchen houses copper utensils and the chapel is now the village church. The ancient cellars of the castle, accessible from the village square, house the gold museum.

The village of Jumillhac itself which has a couple of restaurants on the main square is a lovely scenic spot for taking lunch in the square, and if you are feeling energetic, the chateau is surrounded by stunning gorges well worth a ramble.

Richard the Lionheart Route

If you are visiting Brantome, why not stop off for a guided tour through these immense underground caves at Villars, close to Brantome. These grottos are famous for prehistoric paintings predating 17,000 years ago.

The 600 metres of caves and passages are packed with stalactites, stalagmites and ancient cave drawings. There is also a learning centre and souvenir shop. Outside there is a cafe bar with picnic area and a childrens playground.

Grotte de Villars Site

East of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, with its 15th and 16th century houses is Coussac-Bonneval. Bonneval castle was built in 930. It was destroyed during the 100 Year War and rebuilt in the 15th century. Bonneval is one of the few castles to have 2 drawbridges. It is furnished with period pieces (Louis XVI, Louis XIII, Aubusson and Fontainebleau tapestries).

Bonneval Castle Website